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Jemma Wei takes on Abu Dhabi

How would it feel to wake up in a different city each morning? That’s a question our girl, Jemma Wei can answer. At just 23 years of age, the vivacious young talent has made a dent in the Singapore media and arts space as a lifestyle and travel blogger, published writer and online TV host.

Needless to say, we’re always curious to hear about what Jemma’s up to. The stylish jetsetter was recently seen cavorting with fellow instagram stars Nellie Lim and Amanda Wong in Abu Dhabi. We fish out all the juicy deets.

Hi Jemimah! You are one the biggest influencers in Singapore and a role model to many. How do you feel about this?

I don’t think of myself as a role model, but I do recognise that being in the public space and knowing that there are many younger girls (and boys) out there with eyes on you comes with its own form of responsibility in terms of how you live your life and carry yourself on and offline.

We love your blog and follow you on Instagram and Snapchat, and we feel like we know you so well. Are there things we still don’t know about you?

Wow – thank you! I feel both stalked and flattered. I’m generally pretty open with my life, but of course there are bits that I share more than others. If you’re following me on snapchat you already know my most embarrassing moments of 2015, which is that the taiwanese movie Our Times made me cry violently 7 times in theatres, so…

Speaking of Instagram, how do you make it so compelling?

I like that you think it’s compelling. Obviously the witches charm I bought from the flea market three years ago has worked. I would recommend a sprinkle of straightforwardness, a dash of color, and a whole lot of self awareness.

We followed your recent trip to Abu Dhabi with Nellie. WOW, it was very Sex and the City! What took you there? Was it anything like you hoped for?

I’m almost ashamed to admit that I’ve never watched Sex and the City. We were there on campaign for Etihad Airways, and prior to that I had no true concept of what Abu Dhabi would be like beyond an expanse of desert and luxury. Going in with no expectations meant that everything blew me away, of course.

What was in your itinerary? What did you see, do, eat in Abu Dhabi?

That’s too much to cram into one interview question! The most memorable thing, I would suppose, is waking up in the middle of the desert, watching the first rays of light spill over golden sand. It’s not an activity per se, but it took my breath away. And alright, there was also me trying not to get thrown off a camel.

Food-wise I was introduced to and very taken by the traditional Arabic Mezze, where you’re served bread and many small plates of dip. Its supposed to be a starter, but after I had that I couldn’t eat anything else! It’s so good!

From one shopaholic to another, what’s the fashion + shopping scoop on Abu Dhabi? Could you name some of your favourite emerging fashion brands?

Honestly, I wasn’t there for the shopping so I really couldn’t name any emerging brands. I was there to experience the country, and contrary to public belief, you don’t find that in the inside of a shopping mall!

You posted amazing OOTDs in Abu Dhabi. Can you share with us your secrets to looking put together all the time —despite long-haul flights and weather changes?

I take my earlier words back – I guess this is something people may not know about me. I mind-map all my outfits when packing so I know what I’m bringing, what can be reworn and matched with something else, and if it’s a long trip, when laundry day is. I also factor in the weather report and forecast when doing this, so I know how many rainy day outfits to pack based on the chances of rain, etc. The more you know…

We never travel without our sunnies, sunblock, and digital maps (#MustHaves). What are yours?

In your own words, what type of traveler do you think you are?

I’m a really easy traveler. Despite my OCD when it comes to packing, when I’m in the city itself, anything goes. I’m pretty content to get lost alone and wander down streets all day, but I generally have a mental checklist of things I would potentially be interested to see. So if I see them while walking around, great, otherwise, it’s okay as well. I love hanging out with my friends when traveling but I also like meeting new people, which truth be told, doesn’t happen as often when you’re in a group. So solo travel is a big thing for me as well, though you dont hear about that as much because if you’re traveling alone your photos will inevitably suck and not get posted online. I mean.. there are only so many ways you can take a selfie!

Your favourite memory of the trip is…

Waking up for sunrise in the desert!

If you had an extra 24 hours in Abu Dhabi, how are you going to spend it?

I would probably spend it in the desert. I would have really liked to get to explore both the desert resort we were staying in, take a proper swim, and then take a walk around the surrounding desert areas at sunset. We were so focused on packing in our itinerary that we didn’t get much of a chance to really relax and explore on our own time.

Lastly, how are you spending New Year’s Eve?

On a plane.. back from New York. I’ll be back at the stroke of midnight!

Images courtesy of Jemma Wei.

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